A Milwaukee "Joblines" bus that connects workers to businesses. Photo: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

RTAs: An Obvious Solution to Workforce Woes

Businesses across Wisconsin are struggling to find workers. A lack of reliable public transportation options has left qualified workers in Milwaukee and other regions of the state unable to travel to well-paying jobs in nearby communities. It’s reached a point where WisDOT Secretary Dave Ross has announced plans to develop a pilot program with non-profit […]

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Minneapolis light rail system, funded by an RTA, connects thousands of people to jobs every day.

The top 5 reasons why we need RTAs in 2018

You’ve all heard of the cash crunch that the state is in and how we’re struggling to maintain our transportation infrastructure. Politicians have been recently exploring different ways to fund our roads and public transit systems. One solution that hasn’t gotten much attention is the creation of Regional Transportation Authorities or RTA.

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Mega highway

The Dangers of Autobesity

By Steve Hiniker, former Executive Director, 1000 Friends of Wisconsin. Face it. We have a driving problem, and it’s killing us. We are addicted to driving, and we are in denial about it. We lash out at those who bring it to our attention and label them as “anti-car.” Unfortunately, that is about as constructive as labeling a doctor as “anti-food” if that doctor recommends a diet.

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WisDOT asks feds to withdraw approvals for I94 EW, huge win for Milwaukee and state taxpayers

WisDOT Secretary Dave Ross sent a letter to the United States Department of Transportation this week, asking the federal agency to rescind support for the expansion of Interstate 94 East-West in Milwaukee. This is likely to kill the project in the short-term, and force both agencies to go back to the drawing board and study more options to address congestion, and safety along the corridor.

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Highway Construction

Highway Audit Confirms Wasteful Spending

In May 2015, 1000 Friends of Wisconsin called for an audit of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation after our lawsuit against the widening of Highway 23 revealed systematic deficiencies in the planning of major projects. We continued to raise awareness over the next few months and legislators heard our call. In December 2015, the non-partisan Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) was tasked by the legislature to carry out an audit of WisDOT’s highway program. 1000 Friends worked closely with the state auditors throughout this process.

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